Revealed: The gorgeous and underrated European island with hardly any tourists
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A new study has revealed the least crowded islands in Europe where tourists won't be fighting for space.
And Malta is officially the most crowded of Europe's islands with 38,700 overnight stays per km2.
Spain's islands are next on the list with Lanzarote the most crowded (21,673 overnight stays per km2) and Ibiza and Formentera next (17,183 overnight stays per km2).
Tenerife and Gran Canaria also rank among the most crowded island destinations in Europe.
But where can tourists escape the crowds?
According to the research, from the team at BookRetreats.com, Svalbard is Europe's least crowded island, with just 2.4 tourists to every km2.
The archipelago, located between northern Norway and the North Pole, is pretty remote so its lack of crowds isn't a complete surprise.
But next on the list is the gorgeous Aland archipelago, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. It has just 269 overnight stays to every km2.
A new study has revealed the least crowded islands in Europe where tourists won't be fighting for space
Aland is made up of around 6,500 islands off Finland's southwestern coast and just 60 of those are inhabited
Aland is made up of around 6,500 islands off Finland's southwestern coast and just 60 of those are inhabited.
Visit Finland recommends that tourists start their visit to Aland in Mariehamn, dubbed the 'world's smallest metropolis', by local residents.
The tourist board explains: 'Mariehamn's wooden houses and green parks provide a great setting for a small-town holiday or a starting point for a tour of the Aland islands.'
The archipelago's capital, Mariehamn has a Maritime Museum, an art gallery and independent cafes and restaurants.
From Mariehamn, tourists can head out on a boat trip to go island hopping through the archipelago.
Visit Finland reveals: 'When paddling in the waters between the islands, it's possible to spend an entire day without encountering anyone besides the occasional seal and - if you're lucky - a white-tailed eagle.'
To reach the Aland archipelago from the UK, tourists can fly to Helsinki and then catch a ferry to Mariehamn.
And while Aland might not be the warmest summer destination, temperatures can reach as high as 25C in July and August.
Visit Finland recommends that tourists start their visit to Aland in Mariehamn, dubbed the 'world's smallest metropolis', by local residents
The archipelago's capital, Mariehamn has a Maritime Museum, an art gallery and independent cafes and restaurants
If Finland doesn't appeal, the next quietest island in Europe is Gotland, a gorgeous spot off the coast of Sweden.
Chios in Greece is next on the list, with just 353.81 tourists for every km2, far fewer than in popular Mykonos or Santorini.
Evia is another quiet choice for those looking to escape the crowds in Greece this year, with 419 tourists for every km2.
Meanwhile, Hydra, which is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is another place that's just as beautiful as Santorini - but much less crowded.
Daily Mail
